Best Mountain Bike Trails in Pencarrow Head

OPEN

Intermediate

3m

118m

-121m

27h 3m

Traverses the ridge between Lake Kohangapiripiri and Lake Kohangatera.A grassy track that climbs through farmland to the ridge between Lake Kohangapiripiri and Lake Kohangatera. With great views of the lakes, and beyond, this is a very picturesque area.This track can be ridden either as a diversion from Baring Head, or as part of a loop around Lake Kohangapiripiri (the Lake Kohangatera loop track no longer exists due to the permanent removal of the Gollans Stream boardwalk). At a clearly sign posted major intersection, head north along Kohangapiripiri or drop down to the right for Kohangatera Lookout, which is now a dead end.

OPEN

Intermediate

4.8 km

270m

-340m

39h 27m

Old farm track that heads up the hill to just south of Inconstant Point, and then down to the Light House Track saddle.From the Kohangapiripiri Lookout, continue up the hill along a reasonably well defined track through the grass. The track heads up the ridge through a series of steep hills. Eventually the track turns into nothing just before it reaches a farm gate. The gate marks the boundary of the East Harbour Lakes Block, as indicated by the "Keep Out" sign.At the gate, turn sharply downhill and follow an old farm track along the cliff edge to the Light house track saddle.From the western cliff top there are great views of the entrance to Wellington harbour.

Intermediate

2.9m

158m

-79m

22h 27m

Interesting single track around the shores of Lake Kohangapiripiri.Lake Kohangapiripiri is an important ecological area, consisting of a freshwater lake and associated wetland area.This track continues along the ridge from the point where Cameron Ridge drops down to the lake. Having rumbled along the ridge for a while, this track drops down to the Cameron Creek wetland, crossing it via a 70m long boardwalk (marked with signs warning about the deep water). The boardwalk includes a sheep-stop grill towards the western end.Thereafter the track skirts the western lake shore except for a short, sharp climb and then descent over a ridge that juts out into the lake.The track is generally smooth and wide, with boggy bits either bridged or filled with gravel to create a firm surface.A short detour is available up to the Lake Kohangapiripiri lookout, as shown on the map. Inconstant Point continues up hill from the lookout sign.It is possible "on foot only" to bypass the short, sharp climb/descent near the western end. A sheep track that goes around the shoreline can be walked fairly easily, except for the rocky point which requires a bit of scrambling.

OPEN

Intermediate

136.8m

22m

1h 8m

Short track up to Kohanapiripiri Lookout

Easy

2.1m

234m

-221m

20h 21m

Gentle and picturesque meander around the eastern shore of Lake Kohangatera.A picturesque cruise around the eastern shore of Lake Kohangatera and its inland wetland. About 0.3km past the track that went to the now permanently removed Gollans Stream boardwalk, the track ends suddenly with a Private Property sign.Return to Baring Head the same way.For a demanding detour, climb Valley View Hill for great views over Lake Kohangatera and the surrounding hills.NB: Although still considered to be a freshwater water lake, Lake Kohangatera is slightly more brackish than Lake Kohangapiripiri.

Intermediate

1.9m

127m

-188m

41h 11m

Steep climb to a lookout over Lake Kohangatera.Short but demanding climb to the summit of a prominent hill overlooking Lake Kohangatera. Although it is hard work, the effort is worthwhile because the lookout offers great views of Lake Kohangatera and its wetland.This track used to also connect Lake Kohangapiripiri and Lake Kohangatera, but with the permanent removal of the Gollans Stream boardwalk this loop is no longer possible.

OPEN

Intermediate

1.8m

78m

-22m

13h 45m

Climb up to the Upper Lighthouse for spectacular views over Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait.Climbing up to the Upper Lighthouse adds a bit of spice to the relatively sedate Pencarrow journey.The first half of the climb from the Baring Head 4wd road is easy, while the second half is steeper (though in bite-size sections). The effort is worthwhile, as the lighthouse offers stunning views of Wellington harbour and Cook Strait.There used to be deep scouring around the base of the lighthouse, giving an indication of the wild weather sometimes seen in this area. This was repaired in early 2010, with the placement of large natural paving stones.From the last flat area before the summit, you can take a detour to Bluff Point lookout.Other notes:The Pencarrow lighthouses were opened in 1859, in response to the frequent shipwrecks along this coastal region. They were New Zealand's first permanent lighthouses.Three-quarters of the way up the hill, and overlooking the harbour, there is a small white fenced area that marks the grave of a lighthouse keeper's daughter.

Easiest

6.8m

273m

-284m

23h 40m

Gravel road that follows the coast from the South end of Eastbourne to Pencarrow head. Walkers and bikers can access the track to Pencarrow Lighthouse and the Kohangapiripiri and Kohangatera Lakes. Note that the return ride can be tougher if the Northerly wind blows

OPEN

Easy

6.7m

91m

-88m

51h 29m

***Restricted access between the shipwreck near lake kohongatera and the gate approx 500m north of where the track reaches the beach. Clear private property signs at both ends. Go to https://www.gw.govt.nz/parks/east-harbour-regional-park to seek permission*** 4WD track along the coast and over a small hill to the Wainuiomata Coast Road

OPEN

Very difficult

938m

-149m

Very steep initial track cut. Currently covered in slashed gorse.